Page 56 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“But you…you came all the way across town.”

“Yes, because I wanted to see you. And now that I have, I believe you need to rest.”

“Well, if you are certain…”

“Yes, most certain.” With a few parting words, I left them and returned to Gracechurch Street.

Back at my uncle’s house, Aunt Gardiner came towards me in the hall. “Lizzy, I did not expect you back so soon. Is anything amiss?”

I explained what had occurred.

“The poor girl.” My aunt’s lips pressed flat. “Shall I invite Miss Darcy, Mr. Miles, and Mrs. Annesley to dinner on Wednesday?”

“Thank you, yes. By then, my friend ought to be well recovered.”

Monday, 22 June

Gracechurch Street

Elizabeth

Lydia played the final notes of ‘Greensleeves’ from a simplified arrangement created for her by Mrs. Perry.

I rose from my chair and applauded. “That was lovely, Lydia.”

She gave me a transient smile. “I bungled a few notes at the beginning. It unnerves me to play for anyone other than Mrs. Perry—even you.”

“With more practice, performing will become less disquieting for you.”

Barnet entered the music room and came to me. He held out a letter. “This is for you, Miss Bennet.”

I took the offering, which bore Miss Darcy’s distinctive seal. “Thank you, Barnet.”

“Who is it from?” asked Lydia.

“Miss Darcy.” I broke the seal and skimmed the message. My progress halted on a fateful line: Miss de Bourgh had died.

My sister set aside the music and stepped before me. “What does she say?”

“The Darcys’ cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh, succumbed to her illness on Saturday.”

Her brows lowered. “Oh dear, that is sad.”

“Yes, quite so. Under the circumstances, Miss Darcy and Mr. Miles have declined Aunt Gardiner’s invitation to dinner on Wednesday. They will remain at home this week out of respect for their cousin.”

“Darn!” Lydia scowled. “I had hoped to play ‘Greensleeves’ for Mr. Miles that night.”

For goodness’ sake.“Lydia, it is time you ceded any notion Mr. Miles Darcy could ever be more than a friend to you.”

“I see no reason why he would not choose me.” Her voice grew strident. “Many gentlemen marry ladies much younger than them.”

“Yes, but he is…” Oh, I had almost forgotten my agreement to make no mention of Mr. Miles’s engagement. “He is already courting a particular lady, so I should not be surprised if he became engaged before the end of summer.”

Her shoulders rounded. “Then you believe there is no hope for me?”

“I am afraid so, but I do not doubt you will meet a gentleman one day who will be ideal for you.”

Lydia’s eyes brimmed with tears. “But I want to marryhim!”

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